LMH leak

[white exec]

It dosn't leak while the motor is running, only when the motor is turned off and the suspension sinks.

If it were a break in a high pressure line, there would be significant leakage when the engine is running, as both strut and sphere are under high pressure.
If the leak only spouts when the car settles, that suggests a return pipe issue.

[kiwifrog]

It dosn't leak while the motor is running, only when the motor is turned off and the suspension sinks.

If it were a break in a high pressure line, there would be significant leakage when the engine is running, as both strut and sphere are under high pressure.
If the leak only spouts when the car settles, that suggests a return pipe issue.

That’s what I thought but its definitely the small diameter line going to the top of the strut, under the bonnet. As soon as I removed the 90 degree clip that secures it to the inner wing the oil really started peeing out, almost like the clip was acting like a bandage.

[white exec]

OK, that's definitive.
Options are either to replace that pipeline, or to have a good (brazed) repair done, as Mike suggests.

Caution: Do not be tempted to repair with a compression fitting, even though there are some advertised on the web for this purpose. It is prohibited in many territories to use such fittings for brake-pressure repairs (and HP applications), as the deformable olives are usually of softer metal than steel pipework, and the joint is prone to blowing.

[kiwifrog]

OK, that's definitive.
Options are either to replace that pipeline, or to have a good (brazed) repair done, as Mike suggests.

Caution: Do not be tempted to repair with a compression fitting, even though there are some advertised on the web for this purpose. It is prohibited in many territories to use such fittings for brake-pressure repairs (and HP applications), as the deformable olives are usually of softer metal than steel pipework, and the joint is prone to blowing.

Do you know where that line terminates, it just seems to dissappear into the lower firewall

[white exec]

Would need your VIN to confirm, but assuming the car is Xantia S1, non-Hydractive (small pipework) . . .

The ? 3.5mm pipe (RH side, #7) runs to a 3-way union (#8), which receives fluid from the front height corrector.
That's where the pipe appears to go to, but I am not sure of the exact routing.
Possibly best to have a complete new pipe made up, with appropriate flared and threaded Citroen pipe unions at each end.
Others on the forum might know of the pipe's routing.

For suspension pipework, it's important that pipes running near bodywork are well supported by rubber-lined clips, to prevent movement and hydraulic hammering.

A VIN will also allow us to check the pipe's length, which will be listed in Parts.

[KennyW]

Be careful when attempting to remove pipe from the 3 way unions as the pipes are often rusted in and break. A simple replace pipe ends being replace three pipes and union and all the fun of accessing the pipe/s.

Kenny

[kiwifrog]

Here's my vin tag, it's a 93 1.9 TD manual right hand drive.

[white exec]

Thanks for posting the VIN.
It must be your lucky day (by the looks of it) . . . that Supply Pipe Front Suspension is pt.no. 5270 EE, is showing still available from Citroen.
Diam = 3.5mm, L = 2437mm.

Use a drenching in penetrating oil, and a single-hex flare nut spanner (8mm iirc) to avoid rounding off the union nuts.

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[kiwifrog]

Thanks Chris, have made a 10 quid (nz$20) donation, sorry I couldnt give more, looks like we might be going back into full covid 19 lockdown.
That's a long pipe at 2.4 metres , allowing for bends obviously. If I can get the line out ok Ill have a go at brazing it as we have all the gear at
work, failing that there's a guy in the North Island that I've got Citroen parts from in the
past so hopefully he can help.

[white exec]

Thanks for the speedy donation: the frog goes green!
Sorry I cannot help with the pipe routing. Hopefully all within the engine compartment, and above the subframe.
You may have to adopt a fresh route, if a localised repair isn't possible.
Let us know how things go.

[KennyW]

If it's 2.4m long would suggest it runs along the bulkhead to where the 3 pipe union which is a PITA

I will have a look at my old stuff when I had my Xantia.



Before removal I would make doubly sure where and how it runs plus the originals from Citroen will be steel and not Kunifer pipe which is easier to bend.If you know somebody who has the citroen flaring tool would be handy and a supply of 3.5mm Kunifer piping.

Kenny

[kiwifrog]

Finding a new one in NZ would be like the proverbial rocking horse turd lol, im hoping I can repair it or get a second hand one

[kiwifrog]

There's a 96 Xantia (mines a 93)1.6 in a local wreakers yard, I can't get to it at the moment but if this is a hydractive model would the pipe in question be different to my non hydro.

[xantia_v6]

A hydractive car has completely different pipework. Yours is a 'sinker', but 96 will be a ' non-sinker', not sure if that also changes the pipes.

[kiwifrog]

Did a bit of investigation today and the pipe runs along the lower firewall so it's an intake manifold removal at the least. I've got the pipe exposed enough to have a go at brazing it so I'll try that first.